All posts in "Trace Adkins"

Country songs about Dad share a common thread. Take a look at GACTV.com’s Top 20 country songs for Father’s Day that convey a prevailing truth. Becoming a father isn’t necessarily difficult. But being a good dad – well, that is a challenge.

Parenthood is a rich vein for Americana and country songwriters to tap, and, with Father’s Day upon us, it’s a perfect time to run through some of the best songs that deal with good ol’ dad. Some of your favorites might be missing. You could argue, for example, that the Mac Davis song “Watching Scotty Grow” belongs here or that “I Saw God Today” is a better fatherly entry from George Strait than “The Best Day.” But hey, that’s what lists are for: starting up a conversation. If you don’t see your favorite on here, let us know what’s missing!

Dad and country legend, @GeorgeStrait, shared this #tbt photo on Twitter.

In no particular order, here are 20 country songs for dads everywhere:

“The Best Day,” George Strait (2000) – A father relives some of his favorite moments with his son, from a camping trip to his son’s wedding day, thinking how each day was the best day of his son’s life – and his, too.

“There Goes My Life,” Kenny Chesney (2003) – Fatherhood isn’t always planned, but being a father turns out to be the best thing that happens to a young man who had planned to get out of his small town as soon as he was old enough.

“Ready, Set, Don’t Go,” Billy Ray Cyrus & Miley Cyrus (2007) – A father has to let his daughter spread her wings and fly, even if the only thing he wants to do is hold on even tighter.

“It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” Darius Rucker (2008) – A newborn baby brings sleepless nights, but as the years pass, a father reflects on just how quickly time went by with his little one.

“Just Fishin’,” Trace Adkins (2011) – A father takes his daughter fishing, but while she’s casting a line, he’s soaking up precious memories she doesn’t yet realize are being made.

“Love Without End, Amen,” George Strait (1990) – The father/son relationship is often used by the church to explain God. George makes those allusions here, portraying Dad – and the guy upstairs – as someone who’s strict, loving and ultimately forgiving.

“That’s My Job,” Conway Twitty (1987) – Dad as protector, Dad as financier, Dad as inspiration from the grave. It sounds heavy, and it is. Beautifully so, with Vince Gill on supporting vocals.

“Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Alan Jackson (2002) – If your dad spent a lot of time under the hood of the car in the driveway, then Alan likely hit the nail on the head for you. There are plenty of car and boat parts in the song, but they’re just a vehicle to show how Dad steered you right.

Trace Adkins is headed back out on tour after a series of personal setbacks earlier this year. 2014 began with a trip to rehab for Trace after an altercation with an impersonator while headlining Country Cruising. He left rehab early to be with his father, who passed away in February following an illness, and in March, his wife of 16 years, Rhonda, filed for divorce.

“I’m excited, recharged and ready to get back on the road,” he said. “I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of encouragement and support over the past few months. It’s hard to put into words how much comfort you take from hearing, ‘We’ve got your back.’ So these shows are for you guys. Thanks.” Continue Reading

Trace Adkins has had a difficult year thus far — and it looks like there are more challenges to come. Nashville newspaper The Tennessean reports Trace’s wife of 16 years, Rhonda, has filed for divorce.

The filing comes after Trace went to a rehabilitation center in January to seek treatment for alcohol abuse. The singer had previously been sober for 12 years. During his stay, Trace checked out of the facility to be with his dying father. After his father passed away, Trace returned to rehab and completed the program.

The front cover of Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo courtesy of Schmidt Relations.

The Grand Ole Opry will release BACKSTAGE at the Grand Ole Opry, a book giving fans an all-access, behind the scenes look at the show that made country music famous, on March 15. The book’s release coincides with the Opry’s 40th Anniversary celebration of its permanent home, the Grand Ole Opry House. The book is co-authored by Brenda Colladay and Dan Rogers, who together have more than thirty years of experience working behind the scenes of the Opry.

The book contains stories from the Opry’s most popular stars along with more than 250 exclusive photos. Dozens of the photos are contributed by longtime Opry photograph Chris Hollo. There are also a number of photos from the Opry’s large archives.

“No offense at all to the people sitting in the seats, but the real show is backstage,” Garth Brooks says in the book. “That’s the Opry.” Garth shares the story of his first night playing the Opry alongside other artist stories that include Carrie Underwood’s first encounter with Loretta Lynn and Vince Gill’s time spent backstage with Roy Acuff. Continue Reading

“You know, there’s only so much you can take when someone’s trying to be you,” he said. “(Eventually) you’re like, ‘Ok bro’, I’ve been doing this for 20 years, you’ve been following me around…and now you’re going to come on this small cruise ship…’” Continue Reading

Great American Country extends prayers and support for Trace Adkins, who has entered a rehabilitation facility for alcohol abuse, reports Country Weekly. The singer was on the Country Cruising cruise ship and 12 years sober prior to this incident. According to People, Trace reportedly got into an argument with a Trace Adkins impersonator who was singing karaoke in a ship bar. When the ship docked in Jamaica, Trace left the cruise to seek treatment.

A representative for Trace released this statement: “Trace has entered a treatment facility after a setback in his battle with alcoholism. As he faces these issues head-on, we ask that his family’s privacy will be respected.”

In 2009 Trace discussed his battle with addiction with Great American Country in his episode of Backstory. Of his drinking, he said, “I was getting to the point where I was poisoning myself.”

DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW – ‘Episode 1610A’ — After 10 weeks of entertaining, stylized dancing, Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough were crowned ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Champions. on the two-hour Season Finale of ‘Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,’ TUESDAY, MAY 21 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on ABC. (Photo by Kelsey McNeal/ABC via Getty Images) DEREK HOUGH, KELLIE PICKLER

Kellie Pickler traded in her red high heels for dancing shoes on season 16 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, eventually winning the Mirror Ball trophy with professional partner Derek Hough. Kellie and Derek dazzled the judges and won over audiences week after week with routines ranging from spunky to sentimental. One highlight: the week Kellie danced to her wedding song, which was written and performed by her husband, Kyle Jacobs, who also performed the song live on the show during her routine.

Competing on Dancing With The Stars brought Kellie full circle. Her career was launched with the help of another reality show, American Idol. Before the DWTS finale, Kellie took to her Facebook page to reflect on her journey, both to stardom and on the dance floor.

“Backstage sitting in my trailer with Aly getting ready for the big show tonight,” she wrote. “She and I just watched my American Idol audition. I can’t help but tear up when I see myself at “19 & green” walking into that Idol audition and singing in front of Paula, Randy, and Simon….I was terrified. Absolutely terrified. It’s crazy how much time has passed and how much my life has changed since Idol. However I still have those moments where I feel like that little girl venturing off into the world, that “Alice in Wonderland” feeling. Continue Reading

Trace Adkins will star alongside Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman in a new western, The Virginian. Set to be released exclusively on Blue-ray and DVD exclusively at Walmart and Sam’s Club as well as digitally everywhere on January 7, the movie is based on the long-running television series “The Virginian.” Brendan Penny also stars.

Directed by Thomas Makowski, The Virginian tells the story of a “handsome and enigmatic enforcer,” played by Trace, for a cattle baron, played by Ron Perlman, who took him in after his parents’ death. Set in the Old West, the Virginian’s past unfolds through corruption, deception and gunplay. Continue Reading

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS: Single of the Year Award Winners Florida Georgia Line during the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS live in Las Vegas from Mandalay Bay, Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker/FOX.

Florida Georgia Line was the big winner at Tuesday night’s American Country Awards, bringing home a total of six guitars, including Artist of the Year: New Artist and Single of the Year, Single of the Year: New Artist, Music Video of the Year: New Artist, Most Played Radio Track and Most Played Radio Track: New Artist, all for their smash hit “Cruise.” Hosted by Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick, the ACAs aired live on FOX from Las Vegas.

Blake Shelton also had a good night, walking away with four guitars, including Album of the Year for Based On A True Story… and Single of the Year: Male, Great American Country Music Video of the Year and Music Video of the Year: Male for “Sure Be Cool If You Did.” Blake was filming a live episode of The Voice in Los Angeles, but accepted his awards via video. Continue Reading

Fans know Trace Adkins best as the voice behind songs like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Ladies Love Country Boys” — but this holiday season, he is offering up a different side. Along with the release of his first Christmas album, The King’s Gift – A Celtic Christmas Collection, he is currently on his The Christmas Show Tour. Trace recently shared what the tour means to him.

“This will be something completely different from anything they’ve ever seen me do,” he said. “This is totally me getting out of my comfort zone and doing something out of left field.”